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Australia is transitioning to the Workplace exposure limits for airborne contaminants (WEL list). Until 1 December 2026, you must still comply with the Workplace exposure standards for airborne contaminants (WES list). Contact your work health and safety regulator for further information.

Infographic content:

Working safely around airborne contaminants: Your WHS rights and responsibilities at work.

Work processes can release dusts, gases, fumes, vapours, or mists into the air. These are known as airborne contaminants, and they may pose a serious risk to your health and safety at work. 

As a worker, you have the right to: 

  • be safe from exposure to airborne contaminants
  • be consulted on health and safety matters related to airborne contaminants
  • access information, training and instruction to do your job safely
  • refuse unsafe work if there is a serious risk to health and safety from exposure to airborne contaminants 

As a worker, your responsibilities include: 

  • taking reasonable care of your own health and safety
  • ensuring your actions do not harm others
  • following reasonable instruction, policy and procedures
  • using equipment and any personal protective equipment correctly

Find out more about working safely around airborne contaminants.

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Infographic

Tags:

Airborne Contaminants
Workplace Exposure Limits for hazardous chemicals
Workplace exposure standards for chemicals

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Further Advice

SWA is not a regulator and cannot advise you about WHS issues in the workplace. If you need help please contact your state or territory work health and safety authority.